Marlins reinstate Phelps from disabled list

MIAMI -- The Marlins' most versatile pitcher is now available for the final three weeks. Miami reinstated David Phelps from the 15-day disabled list prior to Sunday's 3-0 win over the Dodgers, and he can be used in a number of ways.

Phelps, who went on the DL on Aug. 31 with a left oblique strain, has been in the rotation for much of the second half. But he can also be used in the bullpen, and even close, if necessary.

MIAMI -- The Marlins' most versatile pitcher is now available for the final three weeks. Miami reinstated David Phelps from the 15-day disabled list prior to Sunday's 3-0 win over the Dodgers, and he can be used in a number of ways.

Phelps, who went on the DL on Aug. 31 with a left oblique strain, has been in the rotation for much of the second half. But he can also be used in the bullpen, and even close, if necessary.

Just getting the right-hander back gives manager Don Mattingly flexibility.

"We had him in the 'pen today," Mattingly said. "If we were going to activate him, we knew we weren't going to activate him to start him. If we're going to activate him, we need to build him up some more. As of right now, we'll use him out of the 'pen. I'm not sure where or how."

Phelps is 7-6 with a 2.52 ERA in 55 games (five starts). In the first half, he was used in several roles, going from long relief to a setup spot -- even saving three games. His last start was on Aug. 26, when he went 3 2/3 innings against the Padres.

Mattingly added he is hoping to get Phelps eased back into action, preferrably not pitching in high-leverage situations to start off with.

"We'll try to get an inning in there somewhere to get him started," Mattingly said. "We'll try to get him an inning to get him reacquainted with the mound.

Phelps was scheduled to start on Aug. 31 at the Mets, but he was scratched due to his left oblique issue. Phelps tweaked his side the day before taking a batting practice swing. His DL stint was retroactive to Aug. 27, so Sunday was the first day he was eligible to return.

Miami's closer situation has been unsettled with Fernando Rodneystruggling and A.J. Ramos pitching through a fractured right third finger.